Be-still my antique loving heart! This eclectic wedding was held at Salvage One, an antique and salvage store on the west side of Chicago and I've never in my life even thought about a wedding at an antique store but now I'm totally obsessed with the idea. It's utterly brilliant! Olivia Leigh Photographie was on hand for the day to capture all the fun and pretty details including a traditional Brazilian square dance and a beautiful handmade piñata that guests got to take a swing at. Another totally brilliant idea. I could go on and on, but I'll stop so you can gaze at the many gorgeous images waiting for you in the gallery.
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From Olivia Leigh Photographie...Keila and Dan are a truly amazing couple that both grew up in the Chicagoland area, met via online dating while they were both in grad school in the city, and then decided to move to Houston so Keila could pursue her career (pediatric cardiologist).
Both got ready at hotels on the north side, where friends and family enjoyed spending the morning reading their NY Times announcement (quite the coup for a Chicago couple, but so deserving for this incredible and self-made couple!). The ceremony was held at Bond Chapel at the University of Chicago, where Keila had studied. Not content with the usual set up of the church, they had the groomsmen turn around half of the pews so they could hold the ceremony in the round and have all their guests be able to see them. Keila is Mexican and Brazilian, and in honor of her heritage, Dan's sister, a trained opera singer, sang the Brazilian standard Aguas do Marco for a portion of the processional. Other friends sang other processional songs, including Pride & Joy by Marvin Gaye, and then I Was Made to Love Her, by Stevie Wonder, for Keila's entrance. Dan had known since they were engaged that he wanted Keila to walk down to that song, and it was truly a magical moment, filling the room with joy and laughter rather than just reverence.
After the ceremony, Keila and Dan were chauffeured around the city for photos by her uncle who owns an incredible vintage German car, which was so fun. Following the photos, we returned to their reception site, Salvage One, an antique and salvage store on the west side of Chicago. Here, guests sipped cocktails and Brazilian drinks amongst old doorknobs, street signs, and unique statues, and also ate fresh popcorn out of vintage-style popcorn boxes. The reception room was comprised of tables sourced from the store, creating a cool mismatched vintage look. Table assignments were on hand-lettered and typed signs strung by twine onto a mirror, named after their favourite coffee shops.
Guests moved out to the courtyard, where Keila's uncle led all of the guests in a traditional Brazilian square dance. This was another unique and incredible moment, as pretty much no one had any idea what they were doing, but it completely broke the ice and was such a memorable part of the day. Upstairs, a lovely buffet was served and guests also partook in a Brazilian dessert table, filled with special sweets arranged by Keila's aunts. Touching toasts were given on a stage, and before dancing occurred, a pinata that they had spent so long creating was hoisted to the ceiling, and guests were able to take a swing, based on how long they had been married. Another really unique and incredible moment! Such fun. After that, lovely parent dances took place, followed by Dan and Keila "wowing" the crowd with an incredible swing dance for their first dance. It was truly such an incredible day!
Wedding Photography: Olivia Leigh Photographie / Wedding Cinematography: Studio 272 / Ceremony: Bond Chapel at the University of Chicago / Reception: Salvage One / DJ: Toast & Jam / Catering: J&L Catering